
Psychological Assessment
Overview
This unit provides instruction and practical experience in administering and scoring psychological tests as well as assessment report writing. Topics covered include the basic technical and methodological principles of testing (e.g., reliability, validity, norms, and test construction) and some exposure to the tests currently used by psychologists. The unit also includes an overview of evidence based assessments and their role in intervention. The learning activities are designed to give students practical knowledge of psychological testing.
Requisites
Rule
Enrolment in GD-PSYADS Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced)
05-October-2025
Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Explain the theoretical foundations of psychological tests and their development
- Evaluate the psychometric properties of psychological tests
- Select, administer and interpret psychological tests and assessments showing consideration of client characteristics including age, cultural background, and cognitive capacity
- Demonstrate competency in assessment report writing
Teaching methods
Swinburne Online
Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
---|---|---|---|
Live Online Class | 1.00 | 4 weeks | 4 |
Online Directed Online Learning and Independent Learning | 12.17 | 12 weeks | 146 |
TOTAL | 150 |
Assessment
Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
---|---|---|---|
Assignment | Individual | 40% | 2,3,4 |
Examination | Individual | 35% | 1,2,3 |
Online Tests | Individual | 25% | 1,2,3 |
Content
- Introduction to assessment/The assessment interview
- Intelligence testing
- Personality assessment
- Interests and aptitudes assessment
- Memory testing
- Behavioural measurement
- Integrative report writing
- Evidence-based interventions
- Consideration of test-taker characteristics such as age, culture, and language background, including considerations for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander test-takers
- Integrating psychological assessment with psychological interventions
- Writing reports for different audiences (e.g., clients, other health care professionals)
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.